The island lies 29
nm south of Alexandroupolis. Samothrace is the Aegean island with
the tallest mountain, Fengari (Moon), 1600 m. high. From here,
according to Homer, Poseidon used to watch the battles of the
Trojan war.
The island was colonized by Aeolians around 700 BC, who came from
Lesbos and built the city of Samothrace. In ancient times it
was an important city / state.
 The
boat approaches Kamariotissa and arrives at the island's beautiful
little port. We take the road to Chora and leave behind the sea,
the coast and virgin sandy beaches. The Chora (Mainland) is built
amphitheatrically, with two storied houses and tiled roofs with
balconies viewing the sea; one feels a friendly welcome, a
readiness to offer moments of peace and beauty. Under the shadow
of the mountain lies the Sanctuary; from here one sees nothing but
the sky. This was the site of the Caveirian Mysteries, which -
like the Eleusinian Mysteries - were the main examples
of a different, peculiar religious experience.
This is a very important archaeological ground, including ruins of
the Palace, the Arsinoeion, the Altar, the New Temple, the Aula of
Altars, Ptolemy's Propylon, the Stoa, the Theatre (built in the
2nd Century BC and used for religious drama).
The Museum of Palaiopolis, near the Sanctuary of the Great Gods,
houses vessels, inscriptions, sculptures as well as a copy of
"Nike of Samothrace". Other villages in Samothrace
include Xiropotamos, Therma, Profitis Elias and Lakkoma. |
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